uk dcms bans third party betting euromillions games

The UK government has moved to ban all third party bets on the outcome of EuroMillions lottery draws.

Issuing a market update this morning, the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) states that it undertakes it decision following an industry consultation launched back in March 2017.

DCMS will introduce new licencing provisions, which will ban UK consumers from placing EuroMillions bets through remote gambling/lottery operators.

Current ‘Gambling Act 2015’ regulations prohibit betting on the outcome of syndicated National Lottery and EuroMillions draws.

However, Nine countries participate in the EuroMillions game, and although each country relates back to a single draw held in Paris, the selling of tickets is treated as a separate function.

As a result of this technicality, a number of gambling/lottery operators currently offer a bet on the outcome of EuroMillions draws as a remote service.

In its update, DCMS states that it wants to achieve the same level of protection for the EuroMillions game, as it does for the National Lottery, whilst further safeguarding funds are that will be raised for national good causes.

“As outlined in the consultation document, we consider that betting on non-UK EuroMillions draws is contrary to the intention and spirit of section 95 of the Gambling Act and the established principle that operators should not be permitted to offer bets on the National Lottery. “

“This provision seeks to preserve a distinction between betting and The National Lottery to protect returns to good causes and prevent consumer confusion. Our position was supported by the majority of consultation respondents.”

Detailing its consultation, DCMS points to five remote operators; Lottoland, MyLotto24, Annexio, Jackpot.com and IMME Entertainment as that offer bets on the EuroMillions Game. DCMS states that these operators ‘run counter to the spirit’ of the National Lottery and its mandate to raise funds for charities and good causes.

“This provision seeks to preserve a distinction between betting and The National Lottery to protect returns to good causes and prevent consumer confusion. Our position was supported by the majority of consultation respondents.”

“We are mindful of the effect on impacted businesses, and will tailor the licence condition to ensure it is in line with our aims to reduce consumer confusion and protect returns to good causes in the UK. Betting operators will still be able to offer bets on international lotteries.”